Charlotte Henshaw and Ollie Hynd back new Active Mansfield initiative

Published:07:12Monday 25 March 2013

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Paralympic swimming stars Charlotte Henshaw and Ollie Hynd have teamed up with Active Mansfield to get the District more active.

Mansfield is one of the least active areas of the country with less than 32% of the population doing some sort of moderate exercise for 30 minutes a week, compared to the national average of 36 per cent.

People living in Mansfield are likely to be overweight and suffer from associated illnesses such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

In a bid to tackle this and get people across the District more active and healthier, a new campaign has been launched which provides people with tips and ideas of how they can live a healthier lifestyle.

Ollie and Charlotte are backing the campaign and hope their success at the London 2012 Paralympic Games has inspired people to get more active: “We are challenging everyone across Mansfield District to become more active – whether it’s cycling to work, learning to dance or taking up a new sport. Any sport or physical activity helps you to feel healthier and you’ll also feel loads more confident too!” they said.

A new Facebook page has been set up, where members of the Active Mansfield partnership will post regular updates of events and activities taking places across the District – specifically suitable for fitness beginners. Weekly healthy recipes will also be posted.

A special feature has also been included in the Council’s residents’ magazine, My Mansfield, and includes a number of low cost and FREE ideas of how to get more active such as a local walking group, the outdoor gym at Titchfield Park and a community allotment project. The magazine will hit doormats from 25 March.

There will also be a database of local sports groups which cater for beginners, along with beginners activities at local leisure centres, on Mansfield District Council’s website www.mansfield.gov.uk/active

Later in the year, the campaign will feature stories of local people who have taken up the challenge and been inspired to become more active.

Phil Lyons, Chair of Active Mansfield, said: “Many of us aren’t too keen on the idea of exercise. It might be that we’re too busy or we simply can’t face the thought of it. But most people aren’t getting the amount of activity they need to stay healthy. Building activity into your day keeps your heart healthy, reduces your risk of serious illness and strengthens muscles and bones. It can also be a great way of reducing your stress levels and lifting your mood if you are feeling down.

“This new campaign challenges people to become more active and provides people with low cost and accessible activities to take that first step to leading a healthier lifestyle. It’s never too late to get more active – so let’s start now!”

For advice on how to become more active call Mansfield District Council’s Sports Development team on 01623 463 371 or 463 470, visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/active or www.facebook.com/activemansfielduk